At the age of 15, he apprenticed woolen good manufacturing at Pike Creek near Stanton, Delaware.
[1][2][3][4] Thomas moved to Cecil County and worked at the wool factory of Charles Johnson.
He served as postmaster of North East for four years under both Presidents Tyler and Polk.
They had one son and seven daughters, Martha Ruth, Sarah Rebecca, Mary Ann, Mrs. Thomas A. Worrell, Elizabeth, Richard L. Jr., Emily and Ida.
[1][2] Thomas died following kidney problems on June 17, 1888, at his home in North East.